Ravens Season Comes Down to 6 Games, Rediscovering Steve Smith

Oct 26, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Lorenzo Taliaferro (34) celebrates running in for a touchdown with teammate wide receiver Steve Smith (89) during the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Welcome to the Daily Caw, where we round up all the latest Ravens news and notes from around the web for your convenience. Today we look ahead to the six games that will decide the team’s fate this season, why the Ravens need to get Steve Smith involved down the stretch, the improvements along the offensive line, and the catalyst behind Haloti Ngata’s resurgent season.

Ravens Season Comes Down to Final Six Games

The Ravens are obviously at a crossroads in a tough AFC North that could go to anyone at this point.  In seven of the last eight seasons that the Ravens found themselves starting out 6-4, they made the playoffs.  But even going 10-6 doesn’t guarantee anything in regards to the postseason, as the Cardinals found out last year.

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Ravens O-Line Improved, Still Has Room to Grow

Juan Castillo was a popular target for last season’s disaster of an offensive line, and most people are giving Gary Kubiak credit for this year’s resurgence.  And don’t expect Castillo to take any credit for the change.

Ravens Need to Rediscover Steve Smith

We touched base yesterday on the slumping Steve Smith and his importance to this offense, so it goes without saying that the Ravens should be spending some time on their bye trying to figure out how to get him involved again.  It goes without saying that opposing defenses are giving him more attention, but the team must scheme ways to get him open going forward.

What is Causing Haloti Ngata’s Resurgence?

Ngata spent his offseason shedding body fat and getting stronger, which has obviously helped him regain some of his old dominant form.  But the presence of Brandon Williams has also allowed Ngata to spend time at a position he is more comfortable in – defensive tackle.